Hegseth says U.S.-Iran deal will be signed despite Beirut strike tensions

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday evening that he believes the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran will be signed, even after the Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood stirred fresh tensions. He framed the deal as inevitable, saying, "We are on our way to sign the deal. It is a matter of when, not whether."

Hegseth also addressed Israel’s conduct in Lebanon, saying, "Israel is very restrained in its response to Hezbollah." His comments came after the Beirut strike drew sharp criticism in Tehran, where officials argued that the Israeli operation raised doubts about Washington’s ability or willingness to honor its commitments under the agreement.

At the same time, mediators are still working to finalize the deal’s wording and to keep the escalating confrontation with Hezbollah from derailing the process. The negotiations remain sensitive as the U.S. and Iran move toward an accord while regional violence threatens to complicate the outcome.